Türkiye, Greece resume military confidence-building talks in Ankara

ANKARA

After nearly four years, the long-stalled military confidence-building measures between Türkiye and Greece have resumed with the participation of senior defense and foreign ministry officials.

The meeting, held for the fourth time, took place on Nov. 13 in the capital Ankara. Deputy Foreign Minister Burak Akçapar led the Turkish team, while Haris Lalacos, the secretary-general of the Greek ministry, led the Greek delegation.

The discussions focused on crucial measures to be implemented in the Aegean region, which has long been a source of contention.

Türkiye and Greece have long been at odds over the overlapping claims in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. They already have held three rounds of talks for fostering confidence-building measures to avoid conflict in the region.

The resumption of talks follows a diplomatic breakthrough initiated during the meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on July 13. Both leaders expressed their commitment to "open a new page in relations."

The confidence-building meeting builds upon the foundation laid during the Oct. 16-17 talks in Athens between diplomats from Türkiye and Greece. Deputy Foreign Ministers Burak Akçapar and Kostas Fragogiannis led the delegations, reviewing progress made since the previous meeting in Ankara on March 22.

The recent thaw in relations is part of a broader trend marked by positive gestures from both nations to strengthen ties. Despite a history strained by territorial disputes, differences in maritime boundaries and political ideologies, recent acts of goodwill signal a turning point in the bilateral relationship.

The diplomatic progress gained momentum following mutual assistance during challenging times. Greece promptly sent rescue teams and aid to southeastern Türkiye after devastating earthquakes claimed over 55,000 lives. Furthermore, both nations expressed solidarity following a tragic train crash in northern Greece, with Ankara extending condolences and providing aid.

Looking ahead, the Türkiye-Greece High-Level Cooperation Council meeting is slated for Dec. 7 in Thessaloniki, further underlining the commitment to fostering improved relations. Erdoğan and Mitsotakis will chair the council meeting which is expected to focus on cooperation in many fields, including trade, tourism, transportation, migration, security and energy.